Guyanese music legend, Johnny Braff dies at 82

Braff, who was known for the hit song "It Burns Inside", celebrated his 82nd birthday in July and was feted by the Ministry of Social Protection at a special concert held in his honour.

Guyanese music legend, Johnny Braff dies at 82

Guyanese music legend, Johnny Braff, passed away early this morning at the Palms Geriatric Home on Brickdam, where he called home for the past several months.

Braff, who was known for the hit song “It Burns Inside”, celebrated his 82nd birthday in July and was feted by the Ministry of Social Protection at a special concert held in his honour.

Back in May, he was awarded a national award, the Medal of Service, by President David Granger.

Braff shot to fame in the late 1960’s and 1970’s when he opened local shows for American artistes, on many occasions outshining the main act.

He recorded several hit songs locally and had them redone in the United States and Curacao, where they became more popular.

“It burns inside”, which begins with the catch phrase “Stop the Music, it burns inside”, was Braff’s most popular song as he sang about holding on to love and never letting it go.

In the twilight of his life, Braff who boasted in Kaieteur interview that he had fathered more than 20 children, found himself living in the night shelter for the homeless in Georgetown.

He was very popular among the other residents and caregivers and would sing out his popular songs on many occasions.

Braff was transferred to the Palms Institute a few months ago and was not happy about that, although the decision was to ensure he received better care as he aged.

He passed away at 4 o’ clock this morning

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